The Alliance for Climate Justice assesses the outcome of the World Climate Conference in Baku (COP29) as “disappointing and irresponsible”. The new financing target – which does not even correspond to a real doubling – is far too low to cover the increasing needs in countries of the Global South. In addition, there is no progress in phasing out coal, oil and gas. “The states deliver far too little for people and the climate. “In addition, a large part of the responsibility is shifted to private companies and the affected countries,” criticizes the alliance of 26 non-governmental organizations that work in the areas of the environment, development cooperation, social affairs and humanitarian aid.
KOO: 300 billion is absolutely inadequate
“The offered and controversial $300 billion per year from 2035 is not nearly enough to ensure even the most necessary life-saving adaptation measures in the poorest countries of the Global South,” warns Martin Krenn, climate expert at the Austrian Bishops’ Conference’s coordination office for international Development and Mission (KOO). “This is a setback for the development of the new national climate goals, because without sufficient financing, further climate protection measures will be difficult to implement in many countries.” The decision also increases climate financing in the form of loans, which further increases the increasing debt crisis in many countries in the Global South tighten.
Südwind: Human rights are just a side note
“From a development policy perspective, this climate conference was a farce. The result largely relieves the rich countries of the Global North of their responsibility. Human rights, gender justice and the support of the most affected communities were nothing more than a side note,” says Angelika Derfler, spokesperson for climate justice at Südwind.
WWF criticizes gaps in climate protection
The result also has large gaps when it comes to mitigating the climate crisis and remains unrelated to the urgency, the 1.5 degree target, the energy transition or the results of the inventory last year. “Crucial elements such as tripling renewable energy, doubling energy efficiency and moving away from fossil fuels are missing. “The fossil fuel lobbies have prevailed here, which is catastrophic news,” analyzes WWF climate spokesman Reinhard Uhrig.
“In Baku, the participation of civil society was massively restricted. Going forward, the UNFCCC process needs to be more inclusive and access for civil society needs to be strengthened. This is the only way we can ensure that countries assume their responsibility and reach a climate-friendly goal,” adds Südwind expert Maria Hammer.
Order for government negotiations
This result is also a clear mandate for the government negotiations. “Austria’s contribution to climate financing must be further expanded in order to at least achieve the new goal,” demands the Alliance for Climate Justice. In the future, the focus must also be on filling the fund to deal with damage and losses and increasing direct bilateral adaptation financing. The future federal government must also demand that the European Union be climate neutral from 2040 so that its claimed pioneering role can have a global impact.
Interview partners:
Martin Krenn, KOO – Coordination Office of the Austrian Bishops’ Conference, +43 676 769 8431 (WhatsApp), m.krenn@koo.at, in Baku
Vincent Sufiyan, Head of Communications Südwind, Tel.: +436509677577, vincent.sufiyan@suedwind.at
Dr. Reinhard Uhrig, climate spokesman for WWF Austria, Tel.: +43 676 83488 254, reinhard.uhrig@wwf.at, in Vienna